Thursday, April 14, 2005

Minnesota’s first political podcast debuts

First shows focus on DFL State Chair race

Big media conglomerates no longer have a monopoly on Twin Cities political talk radio. Starting this week, “Inside Minnesota Politics” is bypassing radio and delivering its weekly program directly to the public on mp3 players – a form of communication known as “podcasting”.

Show host Peter Idusogie (E-doo-SOH-gee) says the podcast’s goal is to “give you a perspective on Minnesota politics that you just can’t get from the dry words in the newspaper or a blog, and to give you the depth that you can’t get from broadcast TV and radio news.”

Idusogie is a former candidate for Congress in Minnesota's 2nd District. He continues to remain politically active, offering non-partisan solutions on matters that affect our nation.

The show’s first programs are focusing on the three-way race for DFL State Chair. All three candidates — Josh Syrjamaki, Brian Melendez, and Betty Folliard — will individually talk about what the DFL needs to do to win in 2006.

“The State Chair race was a natural place to start,” says Michael McIntee, the program’s producer. “Short of who to endorse for Senate or Governor, it’s the biggest decision the DFL will make this year because the next state chair can have a large impact on the direction of the party and its chance of success in the 2006 election. We’re very excited that all three candidates immediately agreed to be on the program.”

McIntee is the former Senior Manager of Programming for All News Channel on DirecTV and has worked in television news for more than 25 years.

“Podcasting is a great way for people to get to know a candidate,” said McIntee. “It’s powerful, easily distributed and intimate. You learn more about a person listening to them speak than just reading what they said. (Former Vice Presidential candidate) John Edwards is already podcasting. I think you’re going to see a lot of candidates in the future do the same.”

To listen to the show, visit www.insideminnesotapolitics.blogspot.comFor more information, contact Michael McIntee mmcintee@mac.com